The new limited-edition 2026 Indian Chief Vintage features heritage-inspired livery and was unveiled at the Sturgis Rally.
This is a press release from Indian Motorcycle…
Sturgis, SD (August 7, 2026) – Debuting at the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Indian Motorcycle unveiled a tribute to the riders that started it all and the bikes they rode in Sturgis, South Dakota, back in 1938. The new Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition is an exclusive, commemorative piece honoring the origins of America’s most legendary motorcycle rally.
It was an Indian Motorcycle dealer and a band of Indian Motorcycle riding brothers that first gathered in Sturgis, South Dakota, in 1938 out of a simple desire to go racing. The new Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition draws inspiration from these legendary riders whose passion for the brand sparked what would become the world’s most iconic motorcycle rally. The limited-edition model features a classic two-tone Indian Motorcycle Red and Cream paint scheme and a multicolored Indian Motorcycle headdress logo reminiscent of the prominent aesthetic of Indian Motorcycles from the 1930s. Serialised badging up to 125 commemorates the brand’s 125th anniversary, while a painted number 56 on the side plate pays tribute to the hand-painted numbers that original racers ran on their bikes in Sturgis, South Dakota, during the rally’s earliest beginnings.
“When you look at how far it’s come and how much it’s grown over almost 90 years, it’s amazing to think that it was an Indian Motorcycle dealer and a group of Indian Motorcycle riders that literally started it all,” said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. “What’s even cooler is the fact that back then, it was all based on a simple desire to come together in celebration of a lifestyle and a spirit of freedom that can only be found through motorcycle riding, and it remains the same to this day. This bike is special in that it pays homage to those origins and to that spirit that all riders share.”
Organised by a local Indian Motorcycle dealer and a legendary motorcycle club, the inaugural gathering in the Black Hills was built around nine riders and attracted approximately 200 spectators. The event combined scenic riding, racing and camaraderie and laid the foundation for what would become the world’s largest motorcycle rally. The Indian Motorcycles at the first event cemented the brand as a key pillar in the history and origins of America’s most legendary motorcycle rally.
The new Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition combines iconic American styling with modern performance and premium craftsmanship. Key features include the following:
- Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine producing 156 Nm (120 lb-ft) of torque
- Exclusive, heritage-inspired paint and graphics that honor the 1930s Indian Motorcycles that were prominent in that era and core to the foundations of what would become America’s most legendary motorcycle rally
- Classic Indian Chief styling with valanced fenders, illuminated warbonnet, wire-spoke wheels, Vintage Espresso Solo Seat and Vintage Handlebars
- Heritage-inspired engine finishes with painted cylinder heads, pushrod tubes and black cylinders reminiscent of 1940s Indian Motorcycle models
- Three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport
- 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by Ride Command with App Enhanced Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation
VIDEO | Indian Chief Sturgis, SD Edition. Honoring a Legacy
For more information on Indian Motorcycle, please visit https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/
2026 Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition Specifications
| MSRP | $23,999 |
| Engine | Thunderstroke 116, air-cooled, 49° V-twin |
| Displacement | 116ci (1890cc) |
| Bore x Stroke | 103.2 x 113.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| Torque (claimed) | 120 lb-ft at 2900 rpm |
| Fuel Delivery | Closed-loop EFI w/ 54mm throttle body |
| Clutch | Wet, multiplate; cable actuation |
| Engine Management | Ride-by-wire |
| Frame | Steel tube, cast aluminum rear subframe |
| Front Suspension | 46mm telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks |
| Front-Wheel Travel | 5.2 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel | 3.0 in. |
| Front Brake | 4-piston caliper, floating 298mm disc, ABS |
| Rear Brake | 2-piston caliper, 298mm floating disc, ABS |
| Front Wheel | 16 x 3.0 in. |
| Rear Wheel | 16 x 3.5 in. |
| Front Tire | Metzeler Cruisetec 130/90B-16 |
| Rear Tire | Metzeler Cruisetec 150/80B-16 |
| Rake | 29.0° |
| Trail | 5.2 in. |
| Wheelbase | 64.0 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 in. |
| Seat Height | 27.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.0 gal. |
| Weight (wet, claimed) | 721 lbs. |
| Color | Indian Motorcycle Red and Cream |
